Machine for demolishing structures

ABSTRACT

A machine, for demolishing structures, such as is characterized by the inclusion of a heavy impact or &#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;destruction&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39; ball suspended in a manner so that it can be swung laterally or dropped vertically against a structure to be demolished; the machine being relatively small and compact, readily portable from place to place, self-powered, and adapted to be mounted as a unit on-and elevated above ground by-the vertically movable scoop of a front-end loader of tractor type, and with said machine then remote controlled from the operator&#39;&#39;s station on the tractor.

United States Patent 2,517,980 8/1950 C orn ett Aaron L. Kelley 235 11th St., Mereed, Calif. 95340 867,263

Oct. 17, 1969 June 22, 1971 Inventor Appl. No. Filed Patented MACHINE FOR DEMOLISHING STRUCTURES 5 Claims, 5 Drawing Figs.

US. Cl "3/29, [73/85, 173/100, 299/70 lat. CL E0211 7/06 Field olSearch 299/36, 37, 69, 70; 37/1 17.5; 173/29, 46, 83, 85, 87, 81;

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS mm x 2,732,197 l/1956 Cornet! 94/49 X 3,207,236 9/1965 Shriner et al. 173/81 X 3,233,687 2/1966 Grimes 173/46 X 3,436,121 4/1969 Cunningham 299/70 Primary ExaminerErnest R. Purser Attorney-Webster and Webster ABSTRACT: A machine, for demolishing structures, such as is characterized by the inclusion of a heavy impact or destruction" ball suspended in a manner so that it can be swung laterally or dropped vertically against a structure to be demolished; the machine'being relatively small and compact, readily portable from place to place, self-powered, and adapted to be mounted as a unit on-and elevated above ground by-the vertically movable scoop of a front-end loader of tractor type, and with said machine then remote controlled from the operators station on the tractor.

PATENTED JUH22 I971 SHEET 2 OF 4 PATENTEU m2 I971 3.586.112

SHEET 3 0F 4 PATENTED JUH22 I971 SHEET 0F 4 FIG-5 MACHINE FOR DEMOLISHING STRUCTURES BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION It is common practice for large mobile cranes, with suspended impact balls, to be used in demolition projects of extensive scale. However, a contractor will frequently need to demolish only a relatively small structure and which does not require the employment of a large and expensive mobile crane. It is in recognition of this need that the present invention was conceived.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides, as a major object, a machine, for demolishing structures, comprised of a frame adapted to be mounted on-and elevated above ground bythe scoop of a front-end loader of tractor type, and an impact ball suspended in connection with and depending from the frame; the latter supporting an engine-driven windlass assembly operative to manipulate the ball-recurringly--to drop it vertically onto, or to swing it laterally against, the structure to be demolished.

The present invention provides, as another object, a machine, as above, which is relatively small and compact, readily portable from place to place when detached, selfpowered when in use, and arranged for remote control from the operators station of the front-end loader on the scoop of which the machine is mounted.

The present invention provides, as still another object, a machine, for the purpose described, which embodies an effective arrangement for readily quick mounting the machine on, or quick detaching the same from, the scoop of a front-end loader of tractor type.

The present invention provides, as a further object, a machine for demolishing structures which is designed for ease and economy of manufacture.

The present invention provides, as a still further object, a practical, reliable, and durable machine for demolishing structures and one which is exceedingly effective for the purpose for which it is designed. i

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

FIG. 1 is an end elevation of the machine as mounted on the scoop of a front-end loader; the machine being shown in raised position for use.

FIG. 2 is a front elevation of the machine in raised position.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, fragmentary rear elevation of the machine.

FIG. 4 is a transverse vertical section on line 4-4 of FIG. 3.

F IG. 5 is a diagrammatic illustration of a typical control system for the machine.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now more particularly to the drawings and to the characters of reference marked thereon, the machine comprises a rigid, transversely elongated box frame 1 of open construction; such frame being provided with depending front and rear legs 2 and 3, respectively. The pair of front legs 2, which are relatively widely transversely spaced, are fitted with foot pads 4, while the similarly spaced pair of rear legs 3 are fitted with relatively deep-throated, rearwardly opening or reverse C-shaped foot pads 5. The throats 6 of the rear foot pads 5 are in alignment transversely of the machine and serve to removably receive the digging blade 7 at the lower front portion of the scoop 8 of a front-end loader 9; the upper front portion of the scoop 8 being detachably connected, as at 10, to short, rigid arms 11 which project rearward from the frame 1 at spaced points thereon.

In the above manner, the present machine (which tends to pivot about connection 10, thus holding the blade 7 engaged in throat 6) is effectively supported from, and can be raised or lowered by, the scoop 8; the latter being vertically adjustable by means of the conventional lift arms 12 of the front-end loader 9. Additionally, the machine-as supported from the scoop 8-can be leveled, front to rear, by pivotal adjustmentof said scoop by the power cylinder 13 which is also conventional on the frontend loader 9.

When the machine is not in use, and detached from the front-end loader, the foot pads 4 and 5 rest on the ground or on a trailer (now shown) employed to transport the machine from place to place.

A pair of windlass units, each indicated generally at 14, are mounted in transversely spaced relation on, and mainly within the confines of, the frame 1. Each such windlass unit 14, disposed with its axis extending in a front-to-rear direction, includes a power-driven cable drum is having a central shaft 16; there being a brake 17 associated with the cable drum on one side thereof, and a clutch 18 on the other side thereof. The brake 17 includes a drum-engaging brake pad I9 on the lower end of an upstanding, pivoted swing lever 20, while the clutch I8 (which is interposed in the related shaft 16) is controlled by an upstanding, pivoted swing lever 21. The swing levers 20 and 21 are connected together-for simultaneous motion-by a top cross link 22, andas so connected-such swing levers are normally urged by a spring 23 in a direction to engage the brake and release the clutch.

A cable 24 is wound about each cable drum l5, and thence extends to and beyond the adjacent end of the frame 1; the cable then passing over and depending from a sheave 25 on the outer end of a boom 26 mounted atop and projecting laterally from said frame. The ends of each cable drum 15 run in an annular guard 27 which prevents the cable from riding over the edges of such drum ends. The working runs of the two cables 24 depend from the sheaves 25, and are adapted for selective connection to a heavy impact or destruction" ball 28, and which is employed in the manner later described.

An air-cooled engine 29, mounted centrally on the frame 1 in the upper part thereof, drives a hydraulic pump 30 adapted to supply oil under pressure to a hydraulic motor 31; the latter, in turn and when actuated, driving-through a reduction gear box 32-a rearwardly extending output shaft 33. Rotation is imparted to the shafts 16 of windlass units 14 by means of opposed endless drives 34 connected between the output shaft 33 and the rear ends of said shafts 16; such rota tion being transmitted to the cable drums 15 only when the respective clutches 18 are engaged.

Each brake 17 is released, and the corresponding clutch l8 engaged, by simultaneous swinging motion of the related levers 20 and 21; this being accomplished by a pneumatic actuator 35 connected to lever 21. The actuators 35 are individually controlled by the operator of the front-end loader 9 by means of a system shown typically and diagrammatically in FIG. 5, and which includes the following:

The engine 29 drives an air compressor 36 (shown only in FIG. 5) which feeds air under pressure to the input side of a multiposition valve 37; such valve 37 being electrically controlled (by the operator of the front-end loader) by means of a pushbutton console 38 disposed adjacent the operator's station. An electrical cable 39 leads from the console 38 to the valve 37; such electrical cable having a disengageable coupling 40 interposed therein, and which coupling is disengaged when the present machine is detached from the frontend loader.

By proper manipulation of the pushbutton console 38, the valve 37 is operated to control the flow of air pressure to, or to release such pressure from, conduits 41 individually leading from such valve to the actuators 35. Consequently, upon air pressure being fed to either actuator 35, the corresponding brake 17 is released and the related clutch 18 is engaged, whereupon the adjacent cable drum 15 is caused to rotate. Conversely, upon air pressure being released from each actuator 35, the clutch 18 is disengaged, and the brake l7 engaged. With the described arrangement, it will be apparent that the cable drums 15 can be individually and selectively, or both together, placed in operation and as working conditions may require.

Before either cable drum is brake released and clutched for rotation, the hydraulic motor is, of course, started and this is accomplished-is the control system, and from the console 38as follows:

By proper manipulation of the pushbutton console 38, the valve 37 is operated to cause flow of air pressure through a conduit 42 to, or to release such air pressure from, a pneumatic actuator 43 connected in operative relation to a fourway, two-position valve 44; the actuator 43-under one conditionpositioning the valve 44 whereby oil under pressure is fed from the hydraulic pump 30 to the hydraulic motor 31 to energize the latter, andunder another condition-positioning the valve 44 so that such oil bypasses back to a supply reservoir 45 whereupon said motor stops. The hydraulic conduit system, for attaining the above results, includesin connection with the valve 44-21 conduit 46 leading from the hydraulic pump 30; conduits 47-48 leading to and from the hydraulic motor 31; and a return conduit 49 leading to the reservoir 45. Additionally, a supply conduit 50 extends from reservoir 45 to the pump 30.

In use of the described machine, it is first mounted on the scoop 8 of the front-end loader 9 and is then raised a substantial distance above ground, with one boom 26 generally above the structure S to be demolished. a

If the impact ball 38 is to be dropped vertically onto the structure to be demolished, the working reach of the cable 24 depending from said one boom is connected to the top of the ball (see FIG. I). Thereafter, such working reach of said cable isby the related windlass unit l4-recurringly shortened and then released to pay out quickly so that the ball is raised and then drops gravitationally and forcefully onto the structure S. It is to be understood that when the related clutch 18 is released to permit the cable to pay out, as above, the corresponding brake 17 engages butbecause of the great weight of the descending ball-the brake does not then stop rotation of the cable drum 15 but merely prevents it from overrunning and paying out excess cable when movement of the ball stops upon striking the structure S.

If the impact ball 28 is to be swungjlaterally against the structure S, the working reach of the other cable depending from the other boom 26-is connected to one side of the ball (see FIG. 2). Thereafter, with the impact ball 28 suspended at the desired height, it is swung back and forth through an are sufficient that said ball recurringly forcefully strikes the side of the structure S. Such back and forth swinging of the impact ball is caused by operation of the related windlass unit 14 in a fashion to recurringly shorten and then permit quick paying out of the working reach of said other cable; the corresponding brake l7 serving, as before, to prevent the drum 15 from overrunning and paying out excess cable when movement of the impact ball stops upon striking the structure S.

Also, when the impact ball is initially rigged for lateral swinging against the structure S, it is preferable that a chain C be connected between the outer end of said one boom and the ball; such a chain relieving the load on the corresponding windlass unit 34 as the ball is swung back and fourth.

As the described machine is, in operation, under the control of the operator of the front-end loader from his station thereon, the demolition of a structure 8 can be accomplished in an expeditious manner and, when the task is completed, the machine can be easily and readily detached from such frontend loader for conventional use of the latter.

From the foregoing description, it will be readily seen that there has been produced such a machine for demolishing structures as substantially fulfills the objects of the invention, as set forth herein,

lclaim:

l. A machine, for demolishing structures, comprising a portable, transversely elongated frame, means to detachably mount the frame on and in a position in front of the vertically adjustable scoop of a front-end loader, an engine-driven windlass assembly on the frame, such windlass assembly including separate windlass units each including a cable drum having a cable wound thereon, there being frame-mounted sheayes over which the cables pass and t ence depend as working reaches, a heavy impact ball adapted to be attached to the outer end of one or both of said cable reaches, and means to recurringly cause driving and then release of said cable drums, individually and selectively.

2. A machine, as in claim 1, in which said last-named means includes actuators corresponding to the windlass units; said actuators being remote controlled from the front-end loader.

3. A machine, as in claim 1, including booms fixed on the frame and projecting from the ends thereof; the sheaves being on the outer ends of the booms.

4. A machine, as in claim 1, in which the frame includes depending, transversely spaced legs; the frame mounting means including a foot on each leg, each foot having a relatively deep, rearwardly opening throat, the scoop having a lower edge blade which removably engages in the throats, and a rearwardly projecting bar fixed on the frame and detachably secured to the scoop a distance above the blade.

5. A machine, for demolishing structures, comprising a frame, means to mount the frame on an implement part capable of power elevating such frame, an engine-driven windlass assembly on the frame, a cable system connected to the engine-driven windlass assembly, the frame including booms fixed on the frame and projecting from opposite ends thereof, and a flexible suspension member depending from the outer end of one boom to connection with an impact ball; the cable system connected to the windlass assembly including a cable having a working reach depending from a sheave on the outer end of the other boom to connection with the impact ball, and said windlass assembly being operative to recurringly shorten and then permit quick lengthening of said working reach. 

1. A machine, for demolishing structures, comprising a portable, transversely elongated frame, means to detachably mount the frame on and in a position in front of the vertically adjustable scoop of a front-end loader, an engine-driven windlass assembly on the frame, such windlass assembly including separate windlass units each including a cable drum having a cable wound thereon, there being frame-mounted sheaves over which the cables pass and thence depend as working reaches, a heavy impact ball adapted to be attached to the outer end of one or both of said cable reaches, and means to recurringly cause driving and then release of said cable drums, individually and selectively.
 2. A machine, as in claim 1, in which said last-named means includes actuators corresponding to the windlass units; said actuators being remote controlled from the front-end loader.
 3. A machine, as in claim 1, including booms fixed on the frame and projecting from the ends thereof; the sheaves being on the outer ends of the booms.
 4. A machine, as in claim 1, in which the frame includes depending, transversely spaced legs; the frame mounting means including a foot on each leg, each foot having a relatively deep, rearwardly opening throat, the scoop having a lower edge blade which removably engages in the throats, and a rearwardly projecting bar fixed on the frame and detachably secured to the scoop a distance above the blade.
 5. A machine, for demolishing structures, comprising a frame, means to mount the frame on an implement part capable of power elevating such frame, an engine-driven windlass assembly on the frame, a cable system connected to the engine-driven windlass assembly, the frame including booms fixed on the frame and projecting from opposite ends thereof, and a flexible suspension member depending from the outer end of one boom to connection with an impact ball; the cable system connected to the windlass assembly including a cable having a working reach depending from a sheave on the outer end of the other boom to connection with the impact ball, and said windlass assembly being operative to recurringly shorten and then permit quick lengthening of said working reach. 